What is tailgating in cybersecurity? 

What is tailgating in cybersecurity? What is tailgating? Tailgating is a form of Social Engineering attack, where an unauthorized person gains access to a secure area by closely following an authorized employee.

Imagine you’re entering your office with your badge and a tray of hot coffee. Just as the door opens, someone follows you in politely. You presume they’re either a contractor or a co-worker. What if the person was not supposed to be present? The simple act of ‘tailgating’ can lead to data theft, malware infection, and even physical harm.

This guide will explain how tailgating is dangerous and what you can do to stop it.

Tailgating vs Piggybacking in Cyber Security

The two terms, piggybacking and piggyback, are not the same.

• The employee is unaware that they are being followed.

• Piggybacking—When an employee allows another person to enter, often out of politeness.

These methods are both classified as social Engineering, and they pose serious risks.

What is an example of tailgating in cybersecurity?

Imagine a stranger in the disguise of a delivery person, with a large package. They wait until an employee comes to open the door. The employee opens the door and swipes his badge. Without question, the “delivery driver” follows him inside.

The attacker did not need to hack into a system or steal credentials. They relied on trust from humans. This is why tailgating can be so effective and dangerous.

Why tailgating is a big deal in the workplace

The act of tailgating at work can have serious consequences.

• Data breaches leading up to the loss of customer data

• Theft or theft of intellectual property

• Destabilization of operations by sabotage and malware installation

• Damage to reputation that undermines trust between clients and partners

Tailgating is also a violation of compliance in industries like finance, healthcare, and government.

What is a tailgating attack, and how does it happen?

The typical attack that results from a tailgating attack looks like this:

1. Preparation—The attacker selects an entry point with high traffic.

2. Approach—They pose as an employee, contractor, or delivery worker.

3. Execution—They follow an authorized employee in, often using props such as fake badges or uniforms.

4. Exploitation—Once inside, they can steal documents, plug in rogue devices to networks, or install malware.

Tailgating is a cyberattack that takes advantage of human behavior, our natural tendency to be polite.

Tailgating vs Piggybacking in Cyber Security: Key Differences

• Employee is unaware of tailgating

• Piggybacking– Employee knows but still allows access.

• Level of Risk Both can lead to unauthorized access, but piggybacking is sometimes harder to detect because it appears to be a legitimate escort.

Understanding these nuances allows organizations to design policies that address both scenarios.

Why Piggybacking is Dangerous

The result of piggybacking and tailgating is the same. An unauthorized person will enter your secure area. Both techniques exploit distrust and lack of attention. It’s for this reason that companies need to train their employees to not only follow rules but also to understand why they are important.

Cyber Security Pretexting and Its Connection to Tailgating

In many cases, tailgating is accompanied by pretexting—another type of social engineering in which attackers fabricate a plausible story to gain the trust of others. Someone might pretend to be an IT technician or a fire inspector. This “pretext” lowers suspicions and makes tailgating more convenient.

A Guide to Preventing Tailgating at Work

policies, technology, and employee awareness are required to prevent tailgating at the office. Here is a simple, step-by-step guide:

1. Implement Strong access Controls

   • At all entry points, use biometric scans or RFID badges.

2. Install Surveillance Systems

   • surveillance cameras, and movement sensors can be used to monitor and detect suspicious activities.

3. Train Employees Regularly

   • Teach your staff to never hold the door for strangers and to promptly report any suspicious behavior.

4. Adopt Visitor Management Systems

   • All visitors should be required to check in, wear visible badges, and have staff accompany them.

5. Auditing and Monitoring Access Logs

   • Review entry logs regularly for unusual activity. Restrict access to former employees.

Tailgating can be greatly reduced by combining employee vigilance with technology.

Conclusion

What is cyber security tailgating? Tailgating is a social engineering technique that takes advantage of human courtesy and security protocol lapses in order to gain unauthorized access. The attacks can be subtle, but they are dangerous. They can cause data breaches, financial losses, and failures to comply with regulations.

What’s the good news? Businesses can keep up with the competition by implementing the best access controls and educating their employees.

Start building a security culture today to protect your workplace against both physical and digital intrusions. 

“If you want to learn more ways to keep your company safe, check out these cybersecurity best practices for business that work hand in hand with preventing tailgating.”

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs).

What is piggybacking in cybersecurity?

The act of piggybacking occurs when a person is allowed to enter a secured area by an employee who has been authorized. This can be done out of courtesy.

What are some examples of cybersecurity tailgating?

An attacker who poses as a courier and follows a worker through a secured door without revealing credentials is a classic example.

How serious is tailgating at work?

Tailgating is a serious offense. It can result in theft of data or sabotage.

What does a tailgating incident mean?

A Tailgating Attack occurs when an intruder bypasses the physical security of a restricted area by following an employee who is authorized. employee

What’s the difference between piggybacking and tailgating in cybersecurity?

Piggybacking is done with the knowledge of the employee, whereas tailgating occurs without their awareness. Both pose social engineering risks.

Are piggybacking, tailgating, and a combination of the two related?

Both are social-engineering techniques involving unauthorized access to secured areas. The only difference is whether the employee knows about it.

What is pretexting?

Pretexting occurs when an attacker uses a fake story, such as pretending to be a technician, to gain trust and access.

What is the best way to prevent tailgating at work?

Install CCTV surveillance and provide regular training to staff so they know how and when to stop tailgating.